胃肠道恶性肿瘤围手术期肠内免疫营养的应用研究

目的：评价肠内免疫营养对胃肠道恶性肿瘤患者术后免疫功能、炎症反应、营养状态、术后并发症的影响。方法：将60例胃肠道恶性肿瘤患者随机分为两组（每组30例）。两组患者围手术期（术前5d、术后7d）分别接受肠内免疫营养（免疫营养组）和等氮等热量的普通肠内营养（普通营养组），于术前5d和术后1、4、8d分别检测各组患者免疫、炎症反应及营养指标、前白蛋白明显高于普通营养组（P＜0.05），炎症指标CRP明显低于普通营养组（P〈0.05）免疫营养组的术后总并发症发生率、感染性并发症发生率和住院天数明显低于普通营养组（P〈0．05）。结论：围手术期肠内免疫营养可在术后早期提高胃肠道恶性肿瘤病人的免疫功能，减轻手术创伤后的应激反应程度，提高胃肠道恶性肿瘤病人的内脏蛋白浓度。显著降低胃肠道恶性肿瘤病人的术后感染性并发症发生率和术后总并发症发生率，缩短住院时间。     

合并营养不良的胃肠道恶性肿瘤患者术后应用肠内免疫营养的临床研究

目的探讨术后应用肠内免疫营养对伴营养不良的胃肠道肿瘤患者术后炎性反应和免疫功能的影响。方法前瞻性收集2008年1月至2010年6月间河北省沧州市人民医院普通外科106例合并营养不良的胃肠道恶性肿瘤手术患者．按随机数字表法分为肠内免疫营养组（53例）和普通肠内营养组（53例）。于术前5d、术后1d和9d分别进行免疫学指标和急性相反应蛋白的检测。结果两组患者手术情况及术前免疫学指标的差异均无统计学意义（均P〉0．05）。术后9d,免疫营养组免疫学指标C04、CD4／CD8、IgG、淋巴细胞、NK细胞及补体c3、c4和CH50水平均高于普通营养组：血清C反应蛋白水平则低于普通营养组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。免疫营养组术后感染并发症发生率为3．8％（2／53）,明显低于普通营养组的15．1％（8／53）（P〈0．05）：术后住院时间为（8．1±1．1）d,明显短于普通营养组的（9．2±2.1）d（P〈0．05）。结论对于合并营养不良的胃肠道恶性肿瘤患者．应用肠内免疫营养可减轻术后创伤和炎性反应．改善机体免疫功能,从而降低术后感染并发症发生率。     

食管癌患者术后早期肠内营养的临床研究

目的 研究食管癌患者术后早期肠内营养的实施方法、效果。方法 对209例食管癌患者依据术后给予不同的营养支持方法分为两组，肠内营养组：146例，食管癌术后施行早期肠内营养；静脉营养组：63例，食管癌术后给予全静脉营养支持；比较两组患者术后并发症发生情况、术后恢复情况，检测手术后理化指标。结果 两组患者术后均未发生吻合口瘘。术后并发症发生率肠内营养组明显低于静脉营养组（P〈0．01），而肠内营养组腹泻发生率高于静脉营养组（P=0．000）；术后肠鸣音恢复时间，肛门排气、排便时间和住院时间肠内营养组较静脉营养组短（P=0．000），住院费用、胃肠减压总量、胸腔引流液量亦较静脉营养组明显减少（P=0．000）。术后白蛋白、球蛋白、总蛋白量肠内营养组高于静脉营养组（P=0．000），而血尿素氮、肌酐和中性粒细胞数低于静脉营养组（P=0．000）。结论 食管癌患者术后早期肠内营养是安全、有效、可行的，较静脉营养有明显的优势。     

������������������Ӧ��������ǿ�ͳ���Ӫ��������

目的：评价免疫增强型肠内营养制剂对肿瘤病人手术创伤后代谢，炎性反应，免疫功能及预后的影响。方法：88例消化道恶性肿瘤手术病人随机分为常规肠内营养组和免疫增强型肠内营养组。手术后第1天开始等热量、等氮肠内营养支持1周。于术前、术后第1、4天和研究结束时分别检测多核白细胞的吞噬功能、氧化代谢情况，巨噬细胞NO产生量，IL－1、IL－2、IL－6及TNF－α浓度，IgA、IgG、IgM，淋巴细胞总数，T、B淋巴细胞数及CD4、CD8，血清PGF2浓度，CRP、α－抗胰蛋白酶和纤维蛋白原等急性相反应蛋白浓度。检测总蛋白，白蛋白等，前白蛋白、转铁蛋白及氮平衡等营养指标。同时观测研究期间病死率，手术后感染性并发症发生率及住院时间。结果：研究结束时，研究组IgA、IgG、IgM，血淋巴细胞总数、CD2、CD4及CD4／CD8、多核白细胞的吞噬能力、多核白细胞的氧化代谢状况及巨噬细胞的NO产生量均明显高于对照组（P＜0．01）；而血IL－6、TNF－α浓度及CRP水平明显低于对照组（P＜0．05）。研究期间两组白蛋白，每日及累积氨平衡差异无显著性，术后第8天，研究组血浆前白蛋白及转铁蛋白浓度明显高于对照组。两组在术后4天内的感染性并发症发生率差异无显著意义，但研究组术后4天以后的感染性并发症发生率却明显低于对照组。研究组平均住院时间也明显低于对照组。结论：免疫增强型肠内营养制剂可减轻肿瘤病人手术创伤后病人的应激和炎性反应程度，增强机体免疫功能，改善预后。     

肠内营养与肠外营养在腹腔镜胃肠道肿瘤患者术后早期应用的临床研究

目的 分析腹腔镜下胃肠道肿瘤术后患者早期联合应用肠内营养与肠外营养的临床效果.方法 经腹腔镜行胃肠道肿瘤根治术患者50例,将50例患者随机分为实验组及对照组.对照组患者术后24小时给予肠外营养(卡文,1440 ml),实验组患者在肠外营养基础上联合应用肠内营养(瑞能,400 ml).比较两组患者术前、术后生化指标(血清白蛋白、血红蛋白、总蛋白),免疫指标(IgA、IgG),炎症指标[C反应蛋白(CRP)、C3]及术后并发症发生率.结果 术后第7天,两组患者生化指标较术前均有明显改善,组内比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).实验组C3、IgA、IgG均高于对照组,CRP低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).实验组术后并发症发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 腹腔镜下胃肠道肿瘤患者术后早期联合应用肠内营养与肠外营养能有效减少术后并发症的发生,改善炎症指标,促进胃肠道功能及免疫功能恢复,改善术后营养状况.     

梗阻性黄疸病人术后早期肠内营养的临床研究

目的探讨梗阻性黄疸病人术后早期肠内营养疗效及安全性。方法梗阻性黄疸病人60例,随机分成肠内营养组（30例）及肠外营养组（30例）。术前及术后第1、4,7天监测谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、胆红素及营养代谢指标。记录并发症、术后肠道恢复通气时间和营养治疗费用。结果两组谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶变化差异无显著性（P〉0．05）;肠内营养组胆红素下降速度较肠外营养组快;胃肠道功能恢复时间肠内营养组明显早于肠外营养组（P〈0．01）;两组住院时间差异无显著性（P〉O．05）;肠内营养组治疗费用约为肠外营养组的1／4。结论梗阻性黄疸病人术后早期肠内营养是安全而有效的,可有效改善病人的营养状况;减少并发症的发生;可加快降低高胆红素血症者的胆红素水平。具有促进胃肠道功能恢复和降低治疗费用的优势。     

术后早期经口肠内营养对结直肠癌患者临床结局的影响

目的探讨术后早期肠内营养对结直肠癌患者临床结局的影响。方法前瞻性入组2012年1-5月问青岛大学医学院附属医院普通外科收治的48例结直肠癌患者,按随机数字表法随机分为试验组和对照组,每组24例。试验组患者术后早期少量多次进水加肠内营养制剂（佳维体）;对照组患者采用常规围手术期治疗方案,比较两组患者术后恢复情况、并发症发生率、营养状况及免疫功能。结果与对照组相比,试验组患者术后肛门排气时间明显加快[（54.3±11．9）h比（65．7±10．0）h,P〈0．05],术后住院时间明显缩短[（5．4±1．1）d比（7．1±1．4）d,P〈0．05],住院费用明显减少[（3．63±0．64）万元比（4．28±0．43）万元人民币,P〈0．05],两组术后并发症发生率的差异无统计学意义[12．5％（3／24）比16．7％（4／24）,P〉0．05]。术后第5天,试验组总蛋白、白蛋白及前白蛋白等营养指标明显高于对照组,CRP、IL-6及TNF-a等炎性反应指标明显低于对照组（均P〈0．05）。结论术后早期肠内营养能够改善结直肠癌患者营养状况及免疫功能,促进肠道功能早期恢复。     

胃癌病人术后早期肠内营养的临床研究

目的探讨胃癌病人术后早期应用全肠外营养(TPN)和肠内营养(EN)对营养等状况恢复的疗效。方法将80例胃癌病人随机分为EN组(40例)和PN组(40例)。于术后48h内开始给予等氮、等热量营养支持,观察两组病人手术前、后的营养和免疫指标、术后肠鸣音恢复、肛门排气时间和并发症发生的情况。结果两组病人术后营养支持的营养及免疫指标明显改善(P<0.05),EN组前清蛋白和免疫指标较PN组明显提高(P<0.05);EN组较PN组术后胃肠功能恢复的更早,同时并发症的发生率亦明显减低。结论胃癌病人术后早期肠内营养支持,既能促进胃肠道功能尽早恢复,又可改善病人术后营养状况和免疫功能。     

免疫增强型肠内营养对老年胃癌术后免疫功能的影响

目的评价免疫增强型肠内营养对老年胃癌患者术后营养、免疫功能、炎性反应及并发症方面的影响。方法66例胃癌患者随机分成免疫增强肠内营养组(34例)与常规肠内营养组(32例),术后24 h给等热量、氮量肠内营养支持1周,比较术前1 d、术后第9天两组的营养、免疫指标、细胞因子的变化及并发症情况。结果术后免疫增强组前白蛋白与转铁蛋白均上升,而常规组均下降,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),术后白蛋白两组均下降(P>0.05);术后两组IgMI、gA均升高且免疫增强组的升高更明显(P<0.05);术后免疫增强组的CD3 、CD4 及CD4 /CD8 均高于常规组(P<0.05),但CD8 无差异(P>0.05);术后两组IL-1α与IL-2均有下降,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后两组IL-6与TNF-α均升高,且常规组IL-6、TNF-α的升高更明显(P<0.05);术后免疫增强组感染性并发症发生率(11.8%)明显低于常规组(25%)(P<0.05)。结论老年胃癌患者术后给予免疫增强型肠内营养在提高蛋白质合成、减轻炎性反应、改善免疫功能及降低并发症方面优于常规的肠内营养。     

直肠癌Dixon术后早期肠内外联合营养的临床研究

为了探讨直肠癌患者行直肠癌经腹前切除术（Dixon术）后早期肠内营养（EN）与肠外营养（PN）联合应用的临床价值,将64例行Dixon术的直肠癌患者随机分为肠外营养组（PN组）32例和肠内外联合营养组（EN＋PN组）32例。术后早期即给予不同的营养支持治疗,观察患者术后肛门排气时间、术后并发症发生情况及营养指标的变化。结果显示,两组患者均无死亡病例,均未发生吻合口漏,EN＋PN组在术后肛门排气时间等方面明显优于PN组;术后第7天检测各项营养指标,EN＋PN组前白蛋白（PA）、淋巴细胞总数（TLC）高于PN组（P〈0．05）。结果表明,直肠癌Dixon术后早期肠内外联合营养是安全可行的,不但能更好地改善术后患者营养状况及免疫功能,还能促进肠蠕动功能的恢复,并且能降低切口并发症的发生率。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.